Geelong After Dark Cultural Venues

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Geelong After Dark 2018
Baby Guerilla Street with Olaf Meyer projection
Photographer: Christina Francis

Everyone is open to welcome you to Geelong After Dark.

We love that our town has been redefined as an arts and culture capital. As Australia’s only designated UNESCO City of Design, Geelong After Dark contributes to our mission of placing art at the heart of all we do.

But we don’t do it alone – our cultural venues turn on lights, throw open doors and invite you to be a part of it all.

Geelong Performing Arts Centre; Geelong Library & Heritage Centre; Geelong Gallery; Back to Back Theatre; Courthouse Youth Arts and the National Wool Museum join Westfield Geelong and Market Square in the Amazing Arts Adventure, a race around Geelong to solve the art clues on the card. Once all clues at all venues have been solved, you can drop the card off at any of the participating venues to go into the draw for some Amazing Prizes, courtesy of our venues.

• Westfield: a $50 Westfield Voucher and a $50 Australian Geographic voucher

• Market Square: 2 x gift packs ($50 gift voucher and 4 tickets Village Cinemas 

• GPAC: Four tickets to see Precarious by Circus Oz.

• NWM: family pass to the opening of the upcoming Playschool Exhibition featuring The Justine Clarke Show,  Wednesday 3 July at 11:45am.

As well as the Amazing Arts Adventure, the venues put on separate, immersive and mostly interactive pieces that are designed to Heighten Your Senses.

Geelong Performing Arts Centre will have some Seaside Adventures with Fava Productions providing the seascapes.

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre features a whole range of projects, from Portraits of Justice by the Youth of Geelong (in conjunction with Geelong Illustrators and Barwon Community Legal Service); Arty Karate After Dark; Wadawurrung Walking with Waa Screening and music music music! Impromptunes (direct from their 2019 Melbourne International Comedy season); Callum Watson’s Boom Box requests; and Andy Howitt’s Juke Box Senses.

Geelong Gallery will feature projects aligned with the current Sidney Nolan Exhibition and sets by DJ Dean Turnley. Kids Activity Stations will be set up for your little ones to indulge their creativity and Mums and Dads can indulge in refreshments from the Pop Up Bar & Café.

2019 Geelong After Dark Event Precinct

Mountains Rise will be situated at Back to Back Theatre and out the front of the National Wool Museum, you’ll be Chasing Fireflies with The Indirect Object.

There is are so many projects that will bring the heart of the City alive next Friday 3 May.

Rug up, check out & download the programme or grab a programme and make your way through the heart of our town to Heighten Your Senses.

Music & Theatre Guide to Geelong After Dark 2016

Welcome to Geelong After Dark - you lover of music and theatre! We have created a journey for you to take across the streets of Geelong on the evening of 6 May, where you'll encounter a wondrous array of eclectic and inspiring performances. Are you ready? 5, 6, 7, 8!

Click on the pictures for more information about each act!

Wendy Grose (6 - 6:15pm)

Begin your evening down on the foreshore at Sailor's Rest, with an act to get you in the mood for the rest of the evening. Wendy Grose, the internationally renown Geelong Soprano will be airing her vocal chords just for your ears from 6 - 6:15pm. It will be spine-tingling.

Viva (6-6:30pm)

After your ears have been warmed, take a short stroll down to the Geelong Performing Arts Centre foyer, where you will find the amazing act Viva (6-630pm). The women of the vocal group, along with special guests from "Acabellas Fellas" will welcome you with their gorgeous harmonic voices.

On the Air (7 - 7:25pm)

Then, head across to the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre at 7pm for the world premiere of On the Air (7pm-7:25pm) - a wacky radio murder mystery complete with 1940s costumes and stylings. Something different for your evening.

Havana Pavlava (7:15 - 7:45pm)

Next stop: the steps of City Hall. It's time to pull out those dance moves, because Havana Pavlava (7:15pm - 7:45pm) - the high energy street band will be pumping out everything from Latin to Ska style beats and grooves.

Of Longing and Belonging (7:40 - 8pm)

Down on Little Malop St (between Gheringhap and Moorabool Streets), you'll find a performance of Western Edge Youth Arts - Of Longing and Belonging (7:40 - 8pm). This show will weave sharp and surprising comedy with physical theatre, exploring ideas about local and glboal identify from the unique perspective of Geelong's youth. 

Alchemy 7 (8-8:20pm)

Stop off at the corner of Moorabool and Malop Streets for Alchemy 7 (8pm - 8:20pm) for a unique music, theatre and installation piece that will weave a woven copper dress, a light and soundscape with operatic arias. Curiouser and curiouser... 

Tide of Welcome Choir meet David Robertson Drummers

Onwards to Little Malop Street Central now, where The Tides of a Welcome Choir meet David Roberston Drummers (8:45 - 9:15pm). An awesome experience where layered African drumming and vocals entwine with raw personality and synergy. A rare act that will transport you to and from the netherworld. 

Stardust: The Col Brain Story (9-9:30pm)

Last, but certainly not least, take a quick step down to the Geelong Performing Arts Centre for the final performance of Stardust: The Col Brain Story (9pm - 9:30). An epic musical and theatrical journey through the belongings found in Geelong music legend Col Brain's wooden dresser. A captivating radio cabaret show from his grandson, broadcaster and musician, Joel Carnegie in collaboration with the Geelong West Brass Band, director Tom Molyneux and ABC RN (Radio National). 

Brilliant music will also be booming from the epic Waterfront Kitchen from 6:30pm onwards, with numerous acts taking over the stage including Sarah Carroll & George Wilson (6:30 - 7pm), The Von Robertsons (7:15 - 7:45pm) and Victoriana Gaye (8 - 8:30pm). So pop down at any time to catch your breath!

Interactive Guide to Geelong After Dark 2016

Welcome to Geelong After Dark 2016! You’re the kind of individual who loves audience participation, Snapchat stories and Mexican waves. Or maybe you just can’t wait to encounter all the wonderful installations and experiences awaiting you as you meander the streets on 6 May. This guide will give you a hand in planning your big night out - so let us begin!

Click on the pictures for more information about each act!

Blood. Sex. Tears Part 1 (6-7pm)

The Grand Caravan is parked somewhere on Little Malop Street and this is where you become the art-form. An installation of sound art and real life confessions. From 6-7pm you will be able to record your inner most thoughts inside the caravan, about Blood. Sex. (or) Tears.

The Information Membrane (6-10pm)

Next: head up to Police Lane and introduce yourself to one of The Information Membranes (6-10pm). How will you recognize them you say? Well they’ll be fairly hard to miss - you can find one each of the four zones. They will be projecting from their stomachs a rotating quadrant of videos specifically important to Geelong After Dark, so introduce yourselves. Ask them what hides inside them…

Professional/Amateur (6-10pm)

Whilst you’re there, you’ll find Professional/ Amateur (6-10pm) – a fun and crafty comedic exercise incorporating art and theatre. A truly participatory work here so be prepared to roll up your sleeves and be a part of it all.

Back to Back Theatre: The Democratic Set (6-10pm)

After making some new friends, walk down Police Lane and turn back onto the vibrant Little Malop Street – where the guys from Back to Back Theatre will be presenting their incredible show The Democratic Set (6-10pm). Disturbingly obvious and tantalisingly strange, THE DEMOCRATIC SET is a rapid series of short live performances and screen-based video portraits created in collaboration with communities – which will blow you away.

Love is in the Air (6-10pm)

As you emerge from the darkness, head to the steps of the Geelong Gallery (Johnstone Park side). Take a selfie in front of the Rainbow where Love is in the Air (6-10pm), and show your support for Geelong’s LGBTIQ community by posting it to Instagram at #geelongafterdark #loveisintheair.

Bubble Nucleation (6-10pm)

While your within throwing distance of Johnstone Park, the seriously awesome Submersion (Bubble Nucleation) (6-10pm) is an installation that will amaze you above all else! You'll be submerged into a sea of luminous bubbles for a multi sensory experience like no other. Delve into the depths of Jasmine Pilcher's fusion between Air and Water. 

Telematic Cafe (6-10pm)

Continue your evening of interactive fun at 79 Little Malop Street – where you will find the Telematic Café (6-10pm) at Beavs Bar as well as its Part 2, found on the corner of Little Malop and James Street inside a cool empty shop. From radio and artificial organisms, 3D films and fish tanks to an interactive-movement mapping installation, a multitude of sensually overwhelming installations and experiences await you inside. 

Flora Non Evidens (6-10pm)

Just further down Little Malop Street, you will then find the ghostly installations of Flora Non Evidens (6-10pm), showcasing rare Australian plants that interact with the reflections of light and embroidery panels.

Blood. Sex. Tears. Part 2. (9-10pm)

Little Malop Street is your friend tonight, so leave what you've just indulged in behind and go for a stroll towards Little Malop Street central by crossing Moorabool St. But we’ve been here before you say? Well…Blood Sex Tears part 2 is about to take place -  The Listening (9-10pm). Find here the finished work of inspiring sound art crafted from your recordings earlier in the night.

Jump Light (6-9:30pm)

How about a spot of exercise?  Jumplight (6-930) on the Customs Lawn (Waterfront Precinct) is where your schoolyard days remerge for a new look on the timeless past time – skipping rope. An all ages activity prepared by Ainslie Macauley, fresh from White Night Melbourne.

Night at the Museum (6-10pm)

Finally make your way down Moorabool St until you reach the National Wool Museum (6-10pm). You think you know this place but we assure you tonight you won’t recognize it.  Are you ready for A Night at the Museum? Fantastical things will happen here when the sun goes down and the lights dim. Enjoy classic silent films and popcorn or prowl by amber light with Gertie the Dinosaur, The Ghost of Slumber Mountain and creatures of the dead zoo lurking nearby.

Visual & Multimedia Guide to Geelong After Dark 2016

A Geelong After Dark tour made for the visually minded person is right this way. Everything from paints, installations and projections, let us guide you through the night of nights!

Click on the pictures for more information about each act!

Encircling Currents (6-10pm)

We recommend starting your night at 51 Little Malop St where one Naomi Nicholls will start you off on this evening with her 3D Vinyl work Encircling Current (6-10pm)that creeps off the canvas and onto the wall of a building. A truly awesome piece that comes to life as you immerse yourself within it.

Breathe (6:30 - 7pm)

And after you've been dazzled by Encircling Current, you be close enough to the opening Projection piece from the amazing Matt Bonner – Breathe (6:30-7pm). It will be projected onto the front of City Hall, a half hour of absolute transformative bliss we can assure you.

Celtic Lights (6-10pm)

You won’t have to walk too far for the next piece of Geelong After Dark visual amazements, the Celtic Lights (6-10pm) will be hanging around just beside City Hall.    

Laneway Jam (6-10pm)

The next stop on you way through the streets isn't too far at all either. 60 Little Malop Street is the spot that’s calling your name. Here the Laneway Jam (6-10pm), as a part of the Courthouse Youth Arts is taking over. Set in the laneway, it’s all things Jam, an experience for all the senses. There's live music too, as well as coffee and murals being painted!

Steve Salo: Back to Back Theatre Portraits

Now, it’s onwards to 64 Ryrie St, where you will bump into Steve Salo, premiering works from his new project – The Back to Back Theatre Portraits (6-8pm). These portraits, rich in Salo’s signature style are of the amazing actors and actresses from the contemporary Back to Back Theatre Company. You will also get a chance to meet Steve in person, what could be better.

Head back down towards the foreshore now, where a multitude of works are waiting. The first, is at Gore Place, where Lifeless (6-9:30pm), a multi media light installation exploring the state of mind and escape. An extremely powerful work!

Movements and Creation (7-9pm)

So turn around and find yourself at the foreshore. Opposite Cunningham pier you will stumble across a work called Movement & Creation (7-9pm), involving chalk and a flute...intrigued? Of course you are!

Otherworldly Environments (6-10pm)

Also at this spot will be the piece, Otherworldly Environments (6-10pm). An experience that is every bit its name. Step inside a world completely surrounded by projections, with only flashes of the real world to keep you in check. Question every surface and explore all possibilities! 

Temporal Home (6-9:30pm)

Near this space is the Customs Lawn precinct, a space inhabited by two very different works tonight. Temporal Home (6-9:30pm) is a series of sculptural constructions by that frames space with light, shadow and colour, a work you must catch a glimpse off. Also here is Clear the Air (6-930pm), a pop up hypnotic video installation exploring Geelong After Dark's theme - Air. 

Float (9:30 - 10pm)

Time to head away from the foreshore now, and we know it will be worth it. It is time for the Matt Bonner's projection finale! Float (9:30 - 10pm) will dazzle you and keep you gasping, as City Hall transforms into a haunting dream-scape environment. The perfect way to cap of the night.  

Program Highlights Guide to Geelong After Dark 2016

Welcome to Geelong After Dark 2016! Herein lies a curated evening for all those of you who love to pick-the–eyes, order from the top shelf and sample the produce. This guide presents the highlights from the program guide, picked and packaged for you to enjoy as you peruse Geelong on the night of 6 May.

Click on the pictures for more information about each act!

The Information Membrane (6-10pm)

Your first stop will be down on Police Lane. Here, you will meet the humanoids, The Information Membrane (6-10pm). There is one of each of these guys in each zone and they will be projecting from their stomachs a selection of videos specific to your Geelong After Dark evening. Perhaps say g’day, and ask them to reveal the secrets of their stomachs designed to give you the leading edge on the streets tonight!

Blood. Sex. Tears Part 1. (6-7pm)

After your encounter with the membranes, your next stop will be Little Malop Street Central where the first part of the Blood. Sex. Tears (6-7pm) experience awaits. The Grand Caravan is an entirely sensual experience that relies on you as the art medium. Think internal monologue meets sound art production, this is where you become more than a spectator. Here you will forever be a part of the night.

Flora Non Evidens (6-10pm)

Flora Non Evidens (6-10pm) is a sure fire highlight, where rare Australian plants interact in an unusual ghostly fashion amidst threads of light and reflective embroidery. It is down on Moorabool St, not a leap too far from your confessional inside The Grand Caravan.

Brand Me Baby (6-10pm)

Brand Me Baby (6-10pm) are a curious duo who you must meet whilst you are in the area - lurking between Moorabool and Gheringhap St! You will see them dressed in skin body suits so you can’t miss them. Explore digital commodification with this fun interactive piece as you make your way towards our next amazing space.

Encircling Currents (6-10pm)

Your next location for the evening will be the brand sparkling new Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, only a block away. Time for some paint…but not as you know it. Naomi Nicholls' has taken over this space tonight, Encircling Current (6-10pm) is a must see, her art is literally dripping across the buildings walls and floors.

Stardust: The Col Brain Story (7:30 - 8pm)

Now cross to the other side of the road because the Geelong Performing Arts Centre is your next stop. We know this area is awash with arts experiences to behold, but your reason for being here is to experience the radio cabaret project Stardust: The Col Brain Story (7:30 - 8pm).  The story of Col Brain, the grandfather of Geelong’s early music scene is told by his grandson, broadcaster and musician, Joel Carnegie in collaboration with the Geelong West Brass Band, director Tom Molyneux and ABC RN (Radio National). Make sure you arrive early to grab a seat for this 30 minute radio cabaret show!

M~M Gathering of the City: Geelong Connected Communities (8:20 - 8:40pm)

Once you've emerged from the show, make your way down to Steampacket Gardens for a dance party like no other. Walkers from Geelong's Extreme Arts Walk, Mountain to Mouth will be arriving from their walk from the You Yangs and a major ceremony to be held -M~M Gathering of the City: Geelong Connected Communities (8:20 - 8:40pm). Lit up by the world renowned Phil Lethlean (2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony) along with a choreographed dance extravaganza - it’s the perfect interlude for your stroll through the streets after dark.

Blood. Sex. Tears Part 2. (9-10pm)

So now it is back to Grand Caravan at Little Malop Street Central. Because by now Part 2. of Blood. Sex. Tears - The Listening (9-10pm) is ready for you! The recordings made earlier in the night will now have been transformed into an inspiring piece of sound art! So sit back and relax - a must do to fully cap of your amazing Grand Caravan experience. 

Float (9:30 - 10pm)

The last moment of wonder to fill your evening can be found on the front of City Hall. The grand finale being Matt Bonner’s projection art, this work titled Float (9:30 - 10pm). Marvel in its beauty and be transfixed by the spirit of Geelong - After Dark.

Kids Guide to Geelong After Dark 2016

A night out at Geelong After Dark with the entire family can be a night to remember for a lifetime. Come with us as we guide you around after dark – be prepared to laugh, dance, gasp and experience the unusual. You ready…lets go!

Click on the pictures for more information about each act!

Love is in the Air (6-10pm)

Begin your evening at the steps of the Geelong Gallery, why? Because Love is in the Air (6-10pm) and everyone can feel it! The rainbow steps of the Gallery are for you to take a smiling selfie and post it to Instagram in support of Geelong's wondrous LGBTIQ community - #geelongafterdark.

Breathe (6:30 - 7pm)

Before you had a chance to check out everyone’s selfies on Instagram you will be at the front of City Hall in anticipation for the opening projection piece from Matt Bonner. Breathe (6:30-7pm) will transform the building into an awesome organic living musical instrument so be prepared to have you jaws dropped!

Les Meduses (7-10pm)

So if everyone is warmed up now we can head on down to Moorabool St to meet some slippery friends. Les Meduses, better known as The Jellyfish will be here at 7pm. These huge, larger than life creatures immerse themselves in the crowd, gliding along the street, changing colour as they encounter the people and the world around them.

Projected Playground (7-8pm)

Quickly pop on down to the Customs Lawn on the foreshore to have a go on the awesome Projected Playground (7-8pm). Run and jump on the moving images and projected obstacles as you interact with things such as bubbles, disappearing stairs and mazes!

Havana Pavlava (7:15 - 7:45pm)

Hop across one block to Gheringhap St for the pavement slapping Havana Pavlava (7:15-7:45pm)! Ranging from African to Ska beats, these guys are going to have a fun time and they strongly recommend you twist on down to their stomping ground tonight!

Mask Decorating Workshop (6-8pm)

Back on down to the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre to get be a part of the action with the Mask Decorating (6-8pm) Workshop taking over the first floor! Learn from the best and craft your own awesome disguise. The Geelong Gallery never stops giving this evening because nearby you will find Air At The Gallery (6-10pm), dedicated to Geelong After Dark’s theme of Air. Contemporary works from Chris Langton alongside an in-house DJ, a wide range of activities, as well as an invitation to the Land of the Golden Fleece for a special rate this evening.

The Information Membrane (6-10pm)

Time for a meeting with the four gate masters of Geelong After Dark this year, The Information Membrane (6-10pm)! These four genius (one in each zone) are the most recognizable beings on the street this fine evening. Projecting a quadrant of videos essential to your evening, their generous quality means they can be your go-to for everything Geelong After Dark tonight. Get to know them well!

Laneway Jam (6-10pm)

Nearby is the awesome active space Laneway Jam (6-10pm) also on Little Malop St, where your senses will be overloaded with everything Jam. Be amongst live art creation, while enjoying jam-donuts while having your ears jam full live music too!

Night at the Museum (6-10pm)

We’ve done it everyone, one more stop to go! So back on your bikes, and wander on down to the National Wool Museum on the corner of Broughm and Moorabool Streets for the once off – Night at the Musuem (6-10pm)! The museum will come alive tonight after dark, so come and meet Gertie the Dinosaur, the Ghost of Slumber Mountain and creatures of the Dead Zoo, all while enjoying classic silent films!